Former Villa Captain At Sunderland

Former Villa midfielder Kevin Richardson will put Sunderland's players through their paces until a permanent manager is found.

A statement issued Sunderland's official site read: 'Following an announcement by Sunderland Limited on Tuesday confirming that the company intended to extend its exclusivity agreement with Niall Quinn and his consortium until 30th June, the club has confirmed that Kevin Richardson will commence pre-season preparation when the team report back on Monday. The early part of pre-season focuses on necessary fitness work and Kevin, along with Peter Friar, will be taking the early sessions with players.'

Why am I telling you all this?

Well, I'm still hoping and praying that Niall Quinn not only completes his takeover of Sunderland but also that he picks up the phone and hires David O'Leary as their manager.

COME ON SUNDERLAND.

Richards also played for Everton, Watford, Arsenal, Coventry, Southampton and Real Sociedad in a varied career which included one England cap.

The sad fact I think avfc48, is that something very definitely has to give, and as things stand right now, it sure aint gonna be Ellis. Ellis and O'Leary working in tandem again next season is a recipe for disaster. I agree 100% with where I believe you're coming from, but maybe a new manager could bring a breath of fresh air into the place, and put a spark under the players and get them performing to their capabilities. As things are, the doom and gloom surrounding Villa Park only deepens by the day. That cant be allowed to continue.

I don't think Ellis can be accused of 'getting away with it' on this site, be fair!!!! Not liking DOL doesn't mean that Ellis is popular, it just means he has someone playing second fiddle to the 'I'm a ****** (insert your own word please)".